LAHORE: Following an advanced aeronautical study by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the construction of skyscrapers to 750-foot high has been allowed in the high-rise building zone of the Lahore Central Business District (LCBD).

The LCBD Development Authority (LCBDDA) has also been informed about the accord of approval for 750ft height in CBD’s Lahore Prime — the area designated for the high-rises.

The Lahore Prime consists of 12 mixed commercial plots and out of these, five plots were auctioned in September 2021 with the approval of 500 ft height. An advanced aeronautical study was conducted by the CAA with the support of the PAF. In this advanced level study, all the possibilities and constraints were deeply researched and analyzed for practical implementation of skyscrapers to be built in CBD Punjab.

The CAA has ensured the protocols of safe flight operations while giving the provision for 750ft construction height.

“The approval of 750ft height is the epitome of grandeur in real estate and rather extraordinary in the construction sector,” said CEO Imran Amin in a statement on Monday.

Lahore Prime’s five mixed commercial plots were auctioned on the FAR (Floor Area Ratio) 1:18-1:24 with the proposed approved height of 500 ft. As the height has now been allowed to be taken to 750ft, the bidders may revise their project designs from 500 to 750 feet, making them a part of history in reforming the skyline of Lahore.

The CBD Punjab, according to him, has come to another step closer to the dream of Prime Minister Imran Khan of giving Pakistan its first business district.

“I would like to show my profound gratitude to the management of the CAA and the PAF for providing their professional support and taking swift action on the request of the CBD Punjab for the 750 ft height provision”.

The provision is a gateway to architectural masterpieces and iconic buildings. The business community will avail all the pros of the extra height provision like more sellable area for commercial purposes, construction advancement and provision of the helipad.

“Every step of the CBD Punjab is strengthening the oath of the authority to work for the betterment and economic development of Pakistan. The approach of the CBD Punjab has washed out all the myths and fears of economic instability and brushed up the image of Pakistan on the world economic map,” Mr Amin said.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2022